Tags: journalism

A recent wave of studies reveals that large language models often provide inaccurate answers, with error rates ranging from 45% to 60% in real‑world queries. While AI‑assisted fact‑checking platforms like the UK’s Full Fact are being deployed, experts say human reviewers remain essential. Benchmarks released by researchers place models such as Claude at 73% accuracy, but most, including Gemini and ChatGPT, fall below 60%. The findings underscore growing skepticism among fact‑checkers who warn that the technology is not yet reliable enough to replace traditional verification methods. Lire la suite

At least 23 prominent news organizations, including The New York Times and USA Today, have begun blocking the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine crawler. Publishers say the archive is being used by artificial‑intelligence firms to harvest copyrighted articles for training language models, a practice they claim violates copyright law. The move threatens the Wayback Machine’s role as a public record of the web, prompting debate among journalists, technologists and the archive’s operators about how to balance content protection with historical preservation. Lire la suite

About 150 members of the ProPublica Guild walked off the job for a 24‑hour strike on Wednesday, demanding safeguards on artificial‑intelligence use, stronger layoff protections, "just cause" discipline rules and higher pay. The union, which voted in March to authorize a work stoppage, also called on readers to avoid the nonprofit newsroom’s content during the protest. Management has not responded to requests for comment as the NewsGuild files an unfair‑labor‑practice charge over a newly imposed AI policy. Lire la suite

Perplexity, an AI‑driven research platform, lets users generate detailed reports by pulling from scholarly databases and reputable publications. Users can toggle between web and academic sources, download PDFs with hundreds of citations, and receive concise summaries that highlight key findings. Journalists, researchers, and students have found the tool saves hours of manual searching while still requiring verification of the linked sources. The free tier offers limited queries, while a paid option removes usage caps and provides deeper model access. Overall, Perplexity streamlines deep‑dive research while keeping the need for human fact‑checking intact. Lire la suite

Sharing a chatbot’s response without context can be seen as disrespectful, especially when a colleague or friend is seeking personal insight. The practice mirrors the older “Let Me Google That For You” gag, now updated to “Let Me ChatGPT That For You.” Experts like Alex Martsinovich warn that sending AI‑generated text without attribution or consent breaches etiquette and risks spreading inaccuracies. Journalists treat AI as a research aid, verifying sources before citing. The consensus: use AI as a tool, not a shortcut, and always add your own perspective and due diligence. Lire la suite

A seasoned journalist reflects on the relentless AI hype that dominates conversations across media, conferences, and everyday life. While acknowledging genuine uses of generative AI, the piece argues that the technology is often portrayed as a universal solution despite its high costs, limited proven value, and mixed utility. The author stresses the need for a balanced approach, using AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human insight, and calls for clearer expectations about its role in journalism and beyond. Lire la suite

Channel 4 introduced Britain’s first AI‑generated TV presenter during the documentary *Will AI Take My Job? Dispatches*. The AI host revealed its synthetic nature in the closing moments, prompting viewers to liken the stunt to an episode of *Black Mirror*. Channel 4 emphasized that the experiment is not a new editorial practice and reaffirmed its commitment to fact‑checked, impartial journalism. The move has ignited debate about AI’s role in media, the ease of deceiving audiences, and the broader implications for talent and content creation in the entertainment industry. Lire la suite

Industry leaders, policymakers, and media executives gathered at the WIRED AI Power Summit to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping journalism. While some praised AI’s potential to drive innovation, others warned of traffic loss, content licensing challenges, and the need for regulatory guardrails. The dialogue underscored a clash between optimism about AI‑driven growth and concern over its effects on news ecosystems. Lire la suite